A new nationwide survey shows mental health and substance-use challenges have had a major financial impact on Ohio workers, costing an estimated $35.1 billion statewide over the past five years.
The study, conducted by RenaissanceRecovery.com and based on responses from more than 3,000 employees nationwide, found Ohio workers lost an average of $9,664 per person due to missed work, reduced hours, or disrupted employment related to mental health or substance-use issues.
Nationally, 41 percent of workers said a mental health or substance-use issue affected their ability to work, with income losses averaging 16 percent. Researchers say fear of job loss, inability to afford unpaid leave, and confusion about federal protections often keep employees from seeking help.
Fewer than half of respondents knew that federal law allows eligible workers to take job-protected leave for mental health or substance-use treatment under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Experts say better education and workplace support could help reduce both financial losses and long-term health impacts for workers across Ohio and the country.
